Is there just no interest in the small shops? Some of these are making truly outstanding museum quality pieces but they typically exhibit in local galleries or their own websites. These pieces are built with heart and soul, using hand cut dovetails, mortise and tenons joints, and the integrity which ensures that it will last essentially forever. These do not get the international attention of the factory products or of the used/antique market which have massive selling channels such as 'In Collect' or 'First Dibs'. BTW, I am aware of the many issues folks have had with these sites and know how to provide a much improved customer experience.
I've been making pieces, one at a time, in my shop for museums and historic sites for most of my life. Without a way to market to a much wider community of serious designers and potential buyers, I can rarely recoup the hundreds of hours that might go into a piece. This is a frustration shared by many of the best furniture makers. I know too many who left the profession entirely or resorted to repairs, kitchen cabinets or other work. Sadly, economic reality means that many are not making nearly what they are capable of.
This is why I've been considering development of a website similar to "In Collect' but devoted to promotion of these small solo artisans that are producing some stunning work. I'd want to be very selective so that a reputation for amazing quality could be established. I was hoping to get feedback to gauge interest.
My sense is that the designers are not interested, preferring mass produced furniture, even if it costs more. I have been wondering why this seems to be the paradigm.
Thanks again for any feedback.
--Wm. F. Brown
Camden, Maine, USA
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